Page 82 - Occupational Health & Safety, September 2019

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Base layers, when used in the context of an overall garment system, is one tool that can help encourage workers to wear their AR/FR daily wear.
Promote Comfort
AR/FR PPE must be worn, and worn properly, to achieve maxi- mum protection. That is why promoting a want-to-wear expe- rience is important, as it encourages even the most seasoned workers to arm themselves with trusted protection. Advances in AR/FR fabric technology go a long way to creating AR/FR base layer garments that enhance comfort and performance—and workers of all ages in daily wear programs benefit greatly from these improvements.
Regardless of the temperature, base layers can play a role in comfort. In cold weather, base layers provide additional warmth, while wicking moisture away from the skin during strenuous tasks to keep the worker dry. In hot and humid environments, the latest AR/FR base layers help moderate body temperature by incorpo- rating specialty fabric blends that increase both breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. These performance-driven fabrics draw away moisture—reducing sweaty discomfort, increasing air permeability, and decreasing trapped heat that can impact a body’s ability to regulate temperature.
This is just one of the ways base layers made with innovative AR/FR fabric blends can enhance the overall wear experience. In- deed, giving due consideration to wear experience, such as tailor- ing garments to the job site environment or to the task itself, helps further the use of daily wear PPE. AR/FR base layers, as with all daily wear garments, no longer need to bear the hallmarks of stiff, uncomfortable work clothing.
Base layers, when used in the context of an overall garment system, is one tool that can help encourage workers to wear their AR/FR daily wear. Daily wear PPE may also help remind workers to don other task-based PPE, like gloves and headgear, when specific tasks demand the added protection. If the clothing system fits well, is comfortable and does not detract from their ability to perform their jobs, workers are far more likely to be wearing all of their PPE gear should an arc flash incident occur. Reviewing your AR/FR garment requirements provides an op- portunity to see if a base layer can play a role in furthering your overall protection system.
Scott Francis is the Technical Manager for Westex by Milliken. In- volved in the safety industry since 1991, Scott has extensive expe- rience with protective apparel fabrics and apparel programs. He participates in a number of industry organizations and frequently addresses trade associations regarding relevant safety topics.
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